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Is Cresswell back and close to his best?

By Scott Johnson

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 12: Aaron Cresswell of West Ham United in action with Matteo Guendouzi of Arsenal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on January 12, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 12: Aaron Cresswell of West Ham United in action with Matteo Guendouzi of Arsenal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on January 12, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /
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West Ham have struggled on the left hand side of their defence over the last couple of seasons. But Aaron Cresswell seems to be returning to form to soothe those concerns.

Heading in to the transfer window most people thought we could look to sell one of our left back options and bring in another one to boost the first team. Now we’re distracted by the Arnautovic saga, West Ham’s priorities have changed. And Aaron Cresswell seems to have taken it upon himself to cement that spot.

Under Pellegrini’s new, more attacking system, we’ve seen our fullbacks exposed a lot more. Zabaleta on the other side has been strong, but the left backs, whether it was Cresswell or Masuaku, have looked poor. For many, Cresswell lost a bit of tenacity after his big injury a couple of years ago. But that fight seems to be coming back.

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Since the start of December Cresswell has seemed more at home again. Whether that is in part due to the improved workrate of Felipe Anderson in defence it’s hard to say, but for my money Cresswell has been a lot better. Both on the ball moving forward and in protecting his side of the defence.

His strength on the ball was noticeable against Arsenal in particular, where he was given the take of subduing Aubameyang, one of the top scorers in the Premier League. The Gabon striker was absent all game, but not for the lack of trying or possession. Cresswell was quick to the ball and strong in the challenge, but also forced the forward to track back and defend by getting forward in support quickly. So, in short, he’s getting back to the player we signed from Ipswich all those years ago.

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So whilst the rest of the club is in panic over who will replace Arnautovic, I think Cresswell has solved the issue of where our left back is going to come from. As long as he keeps his tenacity and bravery up, I’m happy with the options we have at the current time. Welcome back Cresswell, we’ve missed you.